Additionally, Big Sur is hard to reach and necessitates either a long drive out-and-back or loop to see the whole area. Thanks for all the recommendations. Bubba Gumps has such a fun atmosphere that seems to mesh perfectly with Monterrey! Bring a blanket and a cooler with your favorite sandwich to enjoy, which we wish we had done. When researching where to eat, I had Forge in the Forest recommend several times. Youll know it by seeing cars lined up the hill up into the parking lot or various vehicles parked, waiting to get in. You dont really need your bathing suit here as the water is waaaay too cold. Sure, its the most expensive pastry Ive ever bought (at a whopping $8.50), but my husband and I both felt it was worth the hefty price tag. Please make reservation for dinner; No Dinner Wednesday/Thursday; Deetjen's Big Sur Inn is a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the historic Big Sur Inn at Castro Canyon. Just note that the Monterey-Salinas Transit Lines stop running during . The 45 minute drive can last all day as you delight in the views (and the cuisine!) Plus - you're a short drive away from Monterey and Big Sur! These are the most beautiful and often historically significant routes in the country. And plus, whats cooler than a cone from a bus? Another favorite thing we like to do here is to stop at the first shop on the right (also didnt pay attention to its name), grab a little red basket, and have a go at the saltwater taffy. Big Sur road trip itinerary: You could do Big Sur in a day or the entire California coast in 2-3 days if you really wanted to, but it will be much more enjoyable if you do it slowly! Ill receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which Ill totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. The menus pretty large, and you can even eat while dipping your toes in the river! I would love to visit all of the beautiful beaches, go on those hikes and eat the saltwater taffy and ice cream! A trailhead can be found from Monterey State Beach and from there heading south, it will take you to Fishermans Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Just take the drive slow, stay alert, and youll be ok. How long does it take to drive the Big Sur coastline? It was so yummy! Traffic is really bad, please use public transport or other forms to reduce as much as possible. " Accommodation in Big Sur is pricey. Riding bikes was definitely a blast and I highly recommend everyone ride bikes along this trail. It needs our tourism more than ever, after suffering near economic catastrophe when. :p. Have you ever seen a beach with purple sand?! When the opportunity came up to visit northern California, I was excited and really intrigued. September 10, 2024 - September 15, 2024. The Barbacoa Beef tacos are insanely delicious! . Once you find the right road, there is another very sharp turn down towards the beach.*. Search for thecheapest car rentals over here! Not as expensive as the other two, so check out Treebones if youd like to give your wallet a bit of a break! Its such a pretty area! If you have a map, you can plan out some of the places you want to stop before you head out! Next up on your Monterey itinerary is Cannery Row, a waterfront area with old buildings filled with shopping, restaurants, and fun activities such as escape rooms, arcades, and the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium. Sign up for AirBnB with my link and get up to $40 off your first stay! Here youll find multiple historic buildings including Californias First Theater, Colton Hall, the Stevenson House, and many more! Planning ahead: You can plan to picnic at the beach. Continue driving south on Hwy 1 towards your next stop in this Big Sur itinerary: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, which is not to be confused with Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. This was actually my favorite part of Fishermans Wharf. You can easily follow along the road trip stops, doing every single one (my recommendation) or picking and choosing a few if you only have part of a day. I had seen pictures of Mcway Falls for many years and had always dreamed of seeing them with my own eyes. It makes an excellent, However, if you wait until the summer rush is over and visit during either September or October, youll experience less crowds and actually better weather! While youre planning your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary, check out these useful road trip gifts to have the best experience on the road! Your email address will not be published. Youll drive into places like San Simeon, Cambria, Cayucos, San Luis Obispo, Pismo, and more! I repeat, the almond croissant is orgasmic. There is usually a very long line before the opening hour (10 AM) and no reservations, so plan ahead! Coast of California Day 3: 17-Mile Drive, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur, Pismo Beach Happy Friday, Everyone! However, if you wait until the summer rush is over and visit during either September or October, youll experience less crowds and actually better weather! The best way to get from Monterey to Big Sur is by renting a car. The people that worked there were friendly and gave us a map of the nearby trail and tips on places they recommended seeing. Hi Sydney! We went on an amazing trail past a gorgeous river and into a meadow with giant redwood trees everywhere. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Nov 2nd, 2021 3359 views. Big Sur is the 90 mile stretch of California coast, nestled between Monterey and San Luis Obispo that is as breathtakingly beautiful and unreal as a dream, with the waves of the Pacific ocean crashing along its rugged shores, simply begging for a visit. Pick up snacks beforehand to have in the car during the drive so you dont need to shell out an astronomical amount of cash at the Big Sur convenience stores every time you feel like noshing. Then the trail led down to this amazing white sandy beach with no one else around. 10 Things You Should Know About The Brando Resort in Tetiaroa, A First-timer's Trip to Australia; Sydney, the Whitsundays and the Central Coast, Paradise in the Dominican Republic: The Samana Peninsula, Explore the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, A 3-Day Itinerary for Charleston, South Carolina, How to Spend 3 Days in Nashville, TN - A Girls' Trip, Balboa Island in Newport Beach,California, Carmel, Monterey & Big Sur - A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary, Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, "I've actually been meaning to take the kids on this road trip. We also went on the Cyprus Grove Trail and we loved that one too. This Big Sur road trip will have you booking flights to California ASAP, promise! They check out all the major websites, and you can customize what you need as well! Cruises currently run for 4 hours at 10 AM or 3 hours at 2:30 PM (morning tours are recommended) so youll need to plan your time wisely if you are wanting to include this activity in your itinerary. Big sur is definitely on my bucket list of places to travel to. If you are planning a road trip to the coast of California, this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is a perfect option for you, and its so convenient as they are about 30 minutes apart from one another. Call before you go so you aren't driving hours for nothing. Day 3: Carmel to Big Sur. I had always heard about the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and how great it was and how Finding Nemo was based on that aquarium! . I flew into the San Jose, California airport on a flight arriving around 12:00 in the afternoon. Here is the Monterey, Carmel and Big Sur itinerary I followed for a long weekend getaway! This place is absolutely perfect for lunch! Total Distance: 217 miles ; One-Way Driving Time: 4 hours and 45 minutes ; Route: San Francisco Half Moon Bay Santa Cruz Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Big Sur San Simeon ; The drive between San Francisco and San Simeon is more appealing than one might imagine. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I would love to go back! Looking for sand dollars might result in a disappointment, but youll easily find muscles, crabs, sea anemone, and kelp beds while exploring the nearby rocks during low tide. Theres a retro school bus selling ice cream right off the parking lot, which is perfect on a hot day. And so is Nepenthe! Or Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey to San Francisco. About this rental. And if the two resort pools with panoramic coastal views didnt do it for you, I bet the spa treatments in outdoor cabanas overlooking the redwood forest will. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Tour Details Departure: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, year-round. Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! Besides Abalonettis another one of our favorite restaurants in this area is Phils Fish Market & Eatery. PCH Road Trip Planning Essentials. Likes Comments. Be aware that the trail is sometimes blocked off due to erosion, and you may not be able to get that picture perfect view. You can do a day trip to Big Sur or Monterey, but it takes at least 2 days to explore both Monterey and Big Sur properly. Carmel-by-the-Sea. (7/19/18), "as a resident of the Monterey Peninsula we do love our tourists, however, I'd like to remind those who visit - there are those that work and live in the area, and to please be courteous of our existence. If this is your first time to the area dont rush it! Day Two Ablonetti Bar and Grill is located on Fishermans Wharf and is our all-time favorite restaurant. This road trip itinerary is designed to be done in one to two days depending on your timeline and how much you want to get out and see along the way. Hang out on Fishermans Wharf a little longer after dinner and grab a dessert at the Monterey Bay Creamery (right next door to Abalonettis). After leaving the park, there was quite a bit of traffic to get back to Carmel. The Bixby Creek Bridge Cannery Row is filled with boutiques, restaurants and waterfront hotels. Reading and seeing these photos makes me miss it a whole lot. My photographer heart would absolutely some of those vistas. Visit inside the Basilica (where Serras remains are laid to rest). The rest of the year is considered cool temperature, but Monterey does boast of 300 days of sunshine. Big Sur and Monterey/Carmel I'll be spending this upcoming weekend on a road trip from Los Angeles to Monterey and thought I'd post my general itinerary and pose a few questions for the Big. Be sure to check the website as tours are not offered every day. It is highly recommended that a car or truck with high clearance would be better to drive through it. Big Sur Coast is known for its rocky beaches, spectacular sunsets, and sheer natural beauty. I think we tried 7 different kinds of Clam Chowder and they literally all taste different because they have their own recipes and specialties. After Bixby Bridge, this is on everyones must see list during any Big Sur road trip. If youve been thinking about a weekend get-a-way to one of California's best destinations, then look no further than this 3-day itinerary celebrating the best that Carmel, Monterey, and Big Sur have to offer. GROUP PEBBLE BEACH GOLF TRIP PROPOSAL. Psst: If youre visiting in early spring, dont miss Calla Lily Valley right near Garrapata Beach (different location than the Bluff Trail). Aubrie is a Utah based blogger/content creator. Yes, its that impressive. I think you. Specializing in travel, lifestyle and fashion. READ NEXT: 25+ Best Road Trips from San Francisco. I had never seen succulents that big before! And trust me, theres enough things to do in Big Sur to fill an entire weekend and then some. Hi Chris, Many thanks for your inquiry! Cannery Row also has some cute candy shops, arcades and even an indoor mini golf arena! This stretch of highway connects Southern California with the Eastern Sierra mountains up north. The beach down below was beautiful; however, hiking down to the beach is not advisable as the cliffs are unstable and there is no clear path. They also have bikes you can rent as well. Sea Salt & Fog | National Park Itineraries & California Travel Planning Not to be missed, youll need to visit the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. The view from the entrance to Old Coast Road isnt half bad either. No matter what time of year youre visiting Big Sur, youll always want to be on the lookout for whales off the California coast. (7/19/18), "This area has been on my must-see/do list for years. Like what you see? Also, there are two different viewpoints- one of the front side of the bridge and one of the back. I have only ever been to San Francisco but would love to see these amazing views and spend the night. Book lover? Its an adorable amusement park right on the beach! The area was filled with flowers and they have gigantic succulents everywhere! Pick-up from centrally located hotels between 7:30am - 8:30am Duration: 11 hours Transportation: Comfortable Motorcoach Includes: Complimentary pickup/dropoff from centrally located hotels The entire road is comprised of redwood groves, babbling brooks, rolling hills, and lots of no trespassing signs. Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego Be sure to dabble your toes in the river at Big Sur River Inn and then end your day with a sunset dinner and ocean view at Pacific's Edge. The best location to stay for your Monterey and Big Sur itinerary is in Monterey. Unfortunately, we had just missed the last shuttle and the next one wasnt leaving for quite awhile. Free shipping for many products! In this quaint town, you will find a gas station, a few small hotels, convenience stores, bathrooms, and restaurants. Then head over to the Carmel Mission. With more ocean views than you ever thought possible, eco-friendly and luxurious hotel stays, wooded hiking trails and nature for days, I can never get enough of this stretch of the coastline. You betcha your night will be an unforgettable escape. This sample itinerary aims to show how you can cover the two towns of Monterey or Carmel in as little as 2 days. I had it recommended to me and I thought it would be the perfect place to pick up a picnic lunch for later. Point Lobos has a long history, dating all the way back to the mid-1800s, and hosted many groups including the Ohlone Native Americans, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spaniards. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Let me know how your travels go! That waterfall on Julia Pfeiffer Burns is incredible!!! A stay at Deetjen's is a step-back in time; you are immersing yourself in the unique historic . Left-wing Paranoia in Big Sur, Caramel, Monterey County, California Nov 2021 and Nov 2020. It is possible to drive Big Sur in one day, but many people like to spend longer exploring the area. Day 1: San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Epic Golf Travel would love to be your resource for all your golf travel needs! We loved the location and walked almost everywhere (except the places in Carmel and Big Sur). Youll find plenty of sunny days over here! Call ahead to ask about the exact time that the bagpipe player will be playing, as times change throughout the year. You can stop in Santa Cruz if youd like. As an English teacher, I love travel that involves a literary outing like Cannery Row. It is still totally worth it to see this beautiful place. If you choose to visit Big Sur as an out-and-back road trip from San Francisco, you can follow California Highway 1 south from the city past Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, and the Monterey Peninsula - then back up. If you and your group aren't ready to slow down yet, take this time to explore the shops on Fisherman's Wharf or Cannery Row. I love how comprehensive this is Monterery and Big Sur look like such BEAUTIFUL places ! The water was soooo extra beautiful when we were there we actually felt like we were in Hawaii for a hot second! Hi Elena! ), all while taking in the magnificent views! Famous for fairytale-like cottages and shops, great art, dining, charming B&B and boutique hotels, and of course the beautiful and exclusive pebble beach golf course. Yea, neither had I until I visited Preiffer Beach in Big Sur. Start off your morning by heading over to Paris Bakery in Monterey to get some breakfast. We then stopped atPerkins Park spontaneously because of the unique Cyprus trees, the rocky shoreline and the purple flowers everywhere! Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5, last Updated: June 6, 2022big sur california central coast pacific coast highway. I personally love #doingallthethings at the beginning of my trips and then slowing down as I stay longer, but you can puzzle this Monterey and Big Sur itinerary out to best fit your weekend and travel style. Thank you! Since the trail has a turn out to Monterey State Beach, you can stake your spot and head out for a swim, a surf, or a picnic. Also, as mentioned before Carmel is known for their wineries so there are several you can head to for wine tastings. Moon Monterey & Carmel - Stuart Thornton 2019-01-08 Quirky beach towns, deliciously fresh seafood, and dramatic hikes and drives: discover what the locals love with Moon Monterey & Carmel. Use caution while driving as the road is rather windy and narrow! Find a place to park and spend some time enjoying the many art galleries and boutiques. This image is from Big Sur, a California State Park . Head to Henry Miller Memorial Library, and youll be nothing less than impressed. The Mcway Falls trail is located at the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Hi Christina! And plus, the water is chilly over here! Glad to hear it! I saw many of them while riding my bike on the Pacific Coastal Trail and just rode down a particular street if I saw any that looked really interesting! Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Calla Lily Valley in Big Sur! If seeing a whale is on your bucket list, Fishermans Wharf is where you need to be. There is memorabilia from the movies all over! I know it is a chain, but I had never eaten there before and thought it would be fun to try it out! The Best California Road Trips & Itineraries | Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur to Santa Barbara California: Places to Visit North America California Road Trip: Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara FIRST POSTED: 4th June 2019 | LAST UPDATED: 7th August 2020 9 minute read It is definitely in a really romantic setting. 2. 3 hours 20 minutes (150 miles) Difficulty level: Easy Oh la la, Crepes! If youre a fan of seafood, Cafe Kevahs Egg Benedict has Dungeness crab and is delicious; the regular egg benedict is also a top pick. . With more ocean views than you ever thought possible, eco-friendly and luxurious hotel stays, wooded hiking trails and nature for days, I can never get enough of this stretch of the coastline. You can book a tour right on the wharf, but its possible that tickets might sell out. I really enjoyed Spanish Bay Beach, Fanshell Beach overlook, Cypress Point Lookout and the Lone Cypress. There are many different wines you can choose from (this area is really well known for their wineries in case you didnt know). However, you can also stop at a local restaurant for lunch too! If you are a morning person, you might want to head out earlier to avoid the other tourists. Its about an hour north of Monterey, and its a great place to get lunch or do some shopping. Bixby Bridge was built in 1932 and is one of the highest suspending bridges sitting at 260 feet above the bottom of the canyon below. After a full morning of activity and then a satisfying afternoon meal, we were ready for a restful and low-key afternoon. Maybe even take a walk on the Santa Cruz boardwalk! Day 2: Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur Highway 1 along the Big Sur coast. I am a huge fan of aquariums! Bring water and watch out for poison oak. We chose the 17-mile ride and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our 3-hour outing. McWay Falls will be the last stop on your Big Sur Itinerary before turning around and making your way back to Carmel. If you happen to be visiting Big Sur between February and early April, you NEED to make a short pit stop at Calla Lily Valley! Checking into the Madonna Inn: San Luis Obispos Quirkiest and Most Eccentric Hotel, Snorkeling in Maui: 12 Best Places to Snorkel in Maui (+ Safety and Packing Tips), The Massive Guide to Manarola, Italy: Things to do in Manarola, Cinque Terre, Cinque Terre Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Days in Cinque Terre, Italy, Fall in San Francisco: 25+ Fall Activities in the SF Bay Area You Cant Miss, Things to do in Cambria, California (The Cutest Seaside Village on the Central Coast). I LOVE Big Sur and Monterey its just so beautiful. Once here, you can hike down to this spectacular crescent-shaped beach and relax. The town is very walkable and its honestly so much fun to just explore it at your own pace. While the entire reserve is beautiful, dont miss China Cove and Bird Island Lookout (on the southern part of the park). And it is a full itinerary! If you're going to drive all of the Big Sur coastline in a day, coming from the Bay Area, you'll want to be prepared for at least 5 hours of driving each way, a total of 10 hours on the road. This scenic drive is so rewarding with views of cute homes overlooking the never-ending Pacific ocean. Thank you! South Iceland - 7 Places Your Family Will Love! Whether it's sipping your way through Carmel Valley's boutique wine tasting rooms or hopping on an unforgettable whale watching excursion, Monterey County provides meeting attendees with a variety of extracurricular activities. Casinos like Harrah's in South Lake Tahoe regularly have big-name artists perform, so a concert night could be in the cards for your trip. Welcome back to the California Coast road trip series. The marketplace is a certified farmers market so youll find local bakeries, craft vendors, and organic produce. There isnt an entrance fee, but they do ask for a $2 donation. And plus, Im from San Francisco so Im typically driving down the coast, not up. Parking is open all along the street and a parking lot is also located on the south side of Cannery Row. Carmel-by-the-Sea has one art gallery for every 34 residents. It was easy to find the area where we needed to take a shuttle to the rental car building. Thankfully, getting to Big Sur is pretty easy, as long as you have a car. This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Monterey . which is a favorite local hotspot and should not be missed when planning your Big Sur itinerary. If you squint really hard, youll see the falls between the rocks going directly into the ocean in the photo below. Any tips/suggestions appreciated. It is a charming little area that also has some good marine life sighting spots. Theres typically some traffic, so if youre just driving through, expect it to take at least 3 hours. You can easily park on the side of the road and forgo the paid parking, which is what most people do (Im not saying its a-okay just letting you know thats an option if the parking lot is full). Description: This April, Big Sur Land Trust is hitting the trails once again for our annual fundraiser to save open space and care for the lands you love in Monterey County! Over the three hours we spent together, we made multiple stops and learned about seals, sea otters, local history, plant life, and more. With binoculars you can see sea otters and sea lions. For a delicious Mediterranean style dinner, head over to Dametra Caf. You are able to do wine tastings inside or if you dont drink, there is also a full service restaurant as well. Perfect ending to your Big Sur Pacific Coast Highway day trip! Hi Rosie! Each room actually had binoculars making it even easier to locate the animals! (7/15/18), "It's such a kid-friendly area, and I just heard that the entire Hwy 1 is now opened." Harbor seals can dive 300 feet and stay underwater for up to 28 minutes! Even if you decide to end here and make this a San Francisco to Monterey drive, you won't be missing out. General tips. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular favorite as well! This romantic drive is one of the best cross country road trip routes that couples must take together! Santa Cruz is a cute, funky surf town on the way to the San Jose airport. It makes an excellent weekend trip from San Francisco, thats for sure! Wow this place looks so similar to Malibu I swear!! 1. As well as (chive and cheddar) scones and strudels and coffees and cream-filled donuts. Bedroom3; Baths2; Property typePrivate Vacation Home; Max Sleeps6; Love golf Pebble Beach golf courses are among some of the best in the world; Carmel-by-the-Sea renowned for its art galleries, many restaurants & sandy white beaches; Big Sur has campsites, high-cliff beaches, superb hiking trails & world-class views on the Pacific Ocean, and Monterey is known for the famous . Heres more California-related content I think youll love: Here is a quick glance at all my go-to travel tips and resources that I use to plan every trip! If you do not have a high-clearance vehicle, you can still cross the street and take pictures from the other side of Bixby Bridge. Pfeiffer beach is best known for its amazing rock structures, sunsets and sometimes there is even purple sand! No one is allowed to go down to beach, so it's in pristine condition. Then you can eat something while enjoying the waves! Treebones Resort features seven ocean view tent campsites, along with 16 yurts with great views of the Pacific at Cape San Martin! We offer private tours to Carmel, Big Sur and/or Monterey from San Francisco. Seeing these trees was such a surreal experience! Tranquil. They had the cutest beach cruisers with baskets and they also have electric bikes! I stopped at this state park on the way back to Carmel and I really loved it! We ate a quick breakfast at the hotel (one of the other perks of staying there) and then headed to the 5th Avenue Deli. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Read Next: 25+ Long Weekend Trips from San Francisco. It costs $10 once you make your way a bit, but its well worth it once you get to the beach. Located at the mouth of the Big Sur River, the park has gorgeous panoramic views of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Head to Carmel, Monterey, or further south (Cambria, Cayucos, Morro Bay) if you wanna swim. Day 1 6pm After a thrilling drive along historic Highway One, you've arrived at the Big Sur Campground and Cabins for an authentically rustic Big Sur stay. I was an ex-pat and now still trying to re-pat. And theres a reason for it the 80-foot waterfall is absolutely stunning. I mean, its absolutely GORGEOUS. Note that parking costs $10 to enter the park, Gray Whales: December to February (migrating south to Mexico), and February to April (returning north; easier to spot as they are closer to the shore), Humpback Whales: late April to early December, With that being said, the hotels in Big Sur really are quite special, and if you can splurge for one night on your. There are a lot of incredible eateries in Carmel. I can now say that I absolutely loved that area and will definitely be coming back! Big Falls Trail near the south end of the range is a . When driving from Monterey to Big Sur, youll pass the small seaside town of Carmel-by-the Sea. Youll find a parking lot on the east side of the road with an underground tunnel for walking over to the trail. We loved visiting the Whalers Cabin in Whalers Cove and thought the scenery was the most spectacular around Bluefish Cove. After Fishermans Wharf, we decided to leave Monterey to explore Carmel-by-the-sea. For a complete San Francisco to Big Sur day trip , start in San Francisco and make your way through Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea to Big Sur on Highway 1 and US-101. Big Sur Bakery is typically pretty crowded, but its worth the wait. Aww, thank you so much! You can read all about how this area came to be here. Begin your day with a savory or sweet crepe at the highly rated Crepes of Brittany in Monterey. Weve always been planning to do a road trip in this part of California, so will be bookmarking this. This looks like a very fun trip and the food looks amazing.
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